ENTERTAINMENTS

Southland Times, Issue 23782, 1 April 1939, Page 21

ENTERTAINMENTS

CIVIC THEATRE “THE STREET SINGER” Matching wits on a trans-Atlantic ship for a world-famous ruby necklace, a beautiful girl and a gaily romantic adventurer keep just one step ahead of the law but find they cannot escape from their hearts in “Not Wanted on Voyage,” a Gaumont British Dominions picture, starring Bebe Daniels, and Ben Lyon which will be screened tonight at the Civic Theatre. The loveliest adventuress that ever coveted a jewel, Bebe Daniels is commanded to steal Ben Lyon’s ruby necklace, but stealing his heart is her own idea. The result is an adventure that covers two continents and turns a desperate competition for the world’s most fabulous gems into the climax of an exciting romance. Other crooks aboard the trans-Atlantic liner begin to offer competition but a neat coup lands them in the net of the law, leaving Ben Lyon and Bebe Daniels to a battle of wits between themselves for possession of the gems. The climax is as surprising as it is filled with action, with the daring jewel robbers rounded up, and an international ring smashed. “Not Wanted on Voyage” marks the first time that Bebe Daniels and Ben Lyon have co-starred in a film, although they have been in many films, sometimes working in adjacent studios. The second feature is “Follow Your Star,” in which Arthur Tracy, the “Street Singer,” is seen in a story which closely follows his own romantic career. Belle Chrystall, Nina Boucicault and Mark Daly appear in prominent roles. This is Tracy’s fourth film and it is replete with characteristic melodies. Plans are at Begg’s or Civic, Telephone 1744.

“SNOW WHITE” MATINEE So that all little folk may again have an opportunity to see Walt Disney’s glorious “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” this film will be screened at both the State and Civic Theatres at the matinee, today, Saturday. Two hundred special souvenir coloured pictures of the dwarfs will be given to the first children arriving at! each theatre.

STATE THEATRE

“SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS” WALT DISNEY’S TRIUMPH Walt Disney’s “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” screens at the State Theatre at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. today and will also be screened during the Civic matinee at 2 o’clock. Walt Disney’s conception of small birds and animals is one of the many reasons why he and his productions are beloved by old and young alike. His little rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, bluebirds, and tortoises have exquisitely appealing qualities. Logically enough, Disney chose “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” for his first fulllength animated feature with its many chances to include animal characters. When Snow White flees from the malice of the wicked queen and becomes lost in the woods, she is frightened by the oncoming darkness and the eerie forest sounds, and rims until she falls exhausted. It is then that deer, rabbits, chipmunks and birds befriend her and lead her to the shelter, the tiny cottage owned by the seven dwarfs. One of the' most charming scenes in the production takes place when Snow White, finding the cottage dirty, enlists the aid of her aimal friends in cleaning it. Squirrels use their tails as brooms, others stack dirty dishes and hop up and down on the pump handle to draw water. The bright-coloured birds hang clothes on the line after the other animals have washed them, using the tortoise’s underneath side for a washboard. It is the birds and animals who discover that the old hag who visits Snow White in the cottage is realy the wicked queen in disguise, ready to poison her wth a magic apple. It is they who warn the seven dwarfs, who immediately jump on the animals’ backs and give chase to the menace. The animals in “Snow White” are not caricatured, nor do they ever talk, althought Disney gifts them with human intelligence. Each one is pictured as a creature of charming individuality. Brand new supports are included in the programme. Box plans are at Begg’s till noon, then at State Theatre, telephone 645.

REGENT THEATRE

“LOVE FINDS ANDY HARDY” DELIGHTFUL ENTERTAINMENT The Dominion says: At long last the unassuming “Judge Hardy” series of pictures from M.-G.-M. is securing the recognition it so richly deserves. “Love Finds Andy Hardy,” (now showing at the Regent Theatre) is not only the best of the series, it is also one of the most purely enjoyable films of recent months, It is, too, the high-water mark to date of that superb juvenile star, Mickey Rooney. He is not merely without equal among players of his own age, but he could also give hints on acting to most of his seniors. He is an artist and an entertainer to his fingertips. Like Deanna Durbin in “That Certain Age,” Mickey Rooney in this new picture suffers the pangs of calf-love, but the way in which the malady attacks him is very different. He is the original awkward adolescent; but he obviously has a way with him, for in this story he is beseiged by three attractive young girls f<v his attention. Andy might be described as girl-mad—-but three are beyond him. As in previous films o f the series, the Polly Benedict of Ann Rutherford is the girl of his heart; but she leaves town for Christmas, and Andy must have “something sensational” to take to a dance, for he has, as he explains, a reputation to keep up. So he is quite willing—for a financial consideration with which to buy a motor-car—to “mind” a friend’s girl when the friend, goes away. But this assignment proves extremely

troublesome, for the girl entrusted to Andy’s tender care is a red-headed siren. Matters become further complicated when Polly returns in time for the dance. In addition, there is the little girl from the city (Judy Garland) whom Andy persists in regarding as a child, no matter how desperately she tries to prove to the contrary. Yet it is this third girl who proves a real friend in Andy’s need and eventually extracts him from his difficulties. Lest it may be thought that so much lovemaking among adolescents might be unpalatable, it is asserted that it is never so. Andy is so frankly delighted with his innocent diversions, so ready to confide in his father, that his love affairs are the subject for nothing but joyous laughter. As usual, one finds Lewis Stone as the kindly, understanding judge; and he has never been more enjoyable. Fay Holden is again Mrs Hardy and Cecelia Parker is the daughter. Among the youngsters, Judy Garland comes nearest in merit to Mickey Rooney. Her performance has gaiety and a hint of pathos. The other girls, Lana Turner and Ann Rutherford, are excellent. Once again Hollywood has proved, in “Love Finds Andy Hardy,” that family life and young people, properly handled, can provide really delightful entertainment. Box plans are at H. and J. Smith’s, Rice’s Regent shop and the theatre.

MAJESTIC THEATRE

DEANNA DURBIN TODAY The screen’s radiant star, Deanna Durbin, will be seen in a return screening L of her most popular picture, “Mad About Music,” at the Majestic today. “Mad About Music” sparkles with superb entertainment and with dialogue that is rich in humour and human interest. It has drama, colourful settings and clever comedy and all through is delightfully heart-warming. Herbert Marshall is associated with Deanna Durbin as the father she has adopted. He is exactly the type who would fall in with Deanna’s make-believe and it is hard to realize a better choice for the part. His role is one of the most sympathetic he has played and he does it well. The singing in the film is its chief attraction. Deanna sings “I Love to Whistle,’’ “Chapel Bells,” “Serenade to the Stars” and Gounod’s “Ave Maria” assisted by the Viennese Boys’ Choir. Supporting players in the cast include Gail Patrick, Arthur Treacher, Jackie Moran, while Cappy Barra’s Harmonica Ensemble is also featured. “Mad About Music” will be supported by “Missing Guest,” a thrilling mystery drama featuring Paul Kelly, Constance Moore and William Lundigan and the current issue of the Cinesound News depicting topical Australian and New Zealand events will also be screened. One thousand souvenir photographs of Deanna Durbin will be given to patrons attending the Majestic today. Those interested would be well advised to attend early in order to get one of these. Plans are now on view at H. and J. Smith’s departmental store box office, Rice’s Majestic confectionery or Majestic Theatre. Telephone 738.